LINK
Robotic spacecraft sent to boost NASA's Swift telescope
Katalyst Space
Arizona company building robotic spacecraft that can grab and move other satellites. Its LINK spacecraft flew a $30 million NASA mission in 2026 to boost the aging Swift telescope, but attitude-control trouble meant it never attempted the capture.
Katalyst bought Colorado's Atomos Space in 2025 (atomos-space has its own record) and prepares spacecraft at a facility in Broomfield, Colorado, per its May 2026 release. Founding year and funding are not public in the sources checked.
Products, by altitude
Low Earth orbit · 160–2,000 km
Retired ![]()
In development ![]()
NEXUS
Robotic spacecraft that docks with and services other satellites
Milestones
- Sep 2026 LINK re-entered the atmosphere after demonstrating its xenon thruster and three robotic arms. NASA ended its involvement on September 3 without Swift's orbit being raised.1
- Aug 2026 NASA and Katalyst said LINK would not capture or boost Swift because of an ongoing attitude control issue; it would attempt proximity operations as a demonstration instead.2
- Jul 2026 LINK launched on a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL from Kwajalein Atoll to rendezvous with NASA's Swift observatory, under a $30 million NASA contract awarded in September 2025.3
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction